Amazon to Allow Library Lending of Kindle Books

New program will integrate with all existing ebook catalogs offered through OverDrive

"Library patrons across the United States will soon be able to borrow ebooks from over 11,000 libraries using Amazon's Kindle reading device.
Long a missing link in the library lending chain, Amazon's announcement today that it will offer, sometime later this year, Kindle library lending is likely to create a flood of demand, since many patrons have long been puzzled and librarians irritated by the inability to use the market-leading device to access library books.
The lending will be available for all generations of the Kindle as well as Kindle reading apps, and it will integrate with all the existing ebook catalogs in the United States powered by OverDrive. In other words, the libraries—including schools, colleges and public libraries—will not have to add a new format, and the ebooks now available on the OverDrive sites will be immediately integrated with the Kindle, Dan Stasiewski, a marketing associate with OverDrive, told LJ. . ."(follow the link for more)
Michael Kelley Apr 20, 2011

My Library Story

I will never forget the day, when I was in first grade, that I discovered an amazing place to visit. To this day I still visit them where ever I am living. My little friend from school had me over to her house after school. On the way home, she took a slight shortcut in her usual route walking home. I had to rush home to share my new experience with my mother that night!!
"Mom, Mom!! I found a building today in town that is filled with shelf after shelf of books to read. You can even have a card stamped and kept at this place they called a Library! They keep the card that says what book or books I had, and when to return them. They LET you borrow them to read. You don't pay anything, unless you return the book late. Then you have to pay a fine. Can you believe it, Mom? Have you ever seen such a place?"
Mom was noticeably biting her lip, trying not to laugh. She knew of this place, and had used it herself! I asked her to take me there when I finished the books I had checked out! She was totally saying, "Yes, Dawn, I will take you there whenever you want to go." Wow, I loved my Mom extra big that day!!
Dawn Morea

A Lifetime of Libraries and A Circle of Friends

As a grade schooler I was encouraged by my parents to participate in the reading programs at our library. As a teenager, my first (taxable) job was at our recently new town library in suburban New Jersey. I had the pleasure of working in the basement putting the plastic protectors on the new books (which the publishers now do) and making simple repairs to worn books. (Dare I say I earned $.65/hr)

…...Now in retirement and living in Orleans for 11½  years, I was directed to the West Dennis Library through coincidences of my son's friend in Boston. After years of computer use, I've learned by doing, and I can pass that knowledge to others, including the patrons using computers in the library.  But also I get to be “Marian the Librarian”, performing the front desk responsibilities for patrons.

…...Another bonus is the circle of friends I've made here in West Dennis, including the Gill family.

Susan Owens

Children's only library

My experience with libraries started at the age of 5 when we moved to New Rochelle, N.Y.  A branch library of the New Rochelle library system was within walking distance so my mother took me every week.  When I started first grade, I was allowed to walk by myself (times were different).  The building was like a gothic doll-house -- so very welcoming and charming with a marvelous children's section located upstairs.  When I go back to visit now, I see that the building is now an exclusive chidren-only facility.  My parents were big readers and supporters of libraries, and I have passed that on to the children I have taught over the years.  Two of my brothers are published authors!
Alice Callahan 

The Library Card As A Pop-Culture Fiend's Ticket To Geek Paradise

Nils Geylan

Blogged by Linda Holmes on NPR
There's a big public library literally across the street from my bank and the supermarket where I most frequently pick up stuff like milk and paper towels. Across the street. As in: first I buy Diet Coke, then I dodge one SUV careening around the corner, and I'm there.
And yet, until this weekend, I'd never been in it and I had no library card.
I know.
I've talked a bunch of times about the economics of e-book purchasing and paper book purchasing, about my love of paperback romance novels, and about how unattached I am to book ownership and the growth of my personal library, and somehow, I never crossed the street . . . Click for the rest of the story

A Library Story

When I was in my early 40's and had 3 kids 12 and under, I felt swallowed up by their needs.  Looking back now, it was a wonderful time with them, but at the very least a demanding time.  I started to come to the library here in West Dennis on summer Friday nights, because my husband would relieve me when he came down after being in Boston all week.  The librarian, Jackie, was very welcoming and friendly.  After she got to know me, she would save books for me that she thought I'd like.  I was sooo grateful to have someone looking out for me (for a change!).
Carole O'Connell

"Libraries - The Heart of Every Community"

Upon retiring to the Cape I found myself somewhat isolated and thought the library might be a good way to connect with the community. Going to the West Dennis Library to donate my collection of children’s books was a decision that changed everything. Immediately, I had a sense of belonging. Everyone was welcoming and encouraged me to return and participate in the various activities offered there. Suddenly I had a new group of friends and a support network right in my own back yard! Besides the anticipated access to books and media, there were movies, programs and special events. I became a volunteer. I was spending a lot of time in MY LIBRARY. By being involved with the library I became an active member of my new community!
This year’s theme for National Library Week is “Libraries- the Heart of Every Community!” I couldn’t agree more. 
BBD

Tell your library story!

To celebrate National Library Week, April 10-17, the West Dennis Library invites you to tell your story about a library, any library (or librarian), which made an impact on your life.  We will publish your story on our blog (with a picture of you optional).  Send your story to jwiley@clamsnet.org, or pick up a form at the circulation desk.  We are excited to hear about how libraries helped shape the people in our village community and beyond.  So, what's your story?